UPDATED 3-14-13
Senator Tester (MT) has introduced an amendment (#74) that strikes the “biotech rider” language (background here) from the continuing resolution. The amendment ensures USDA’s oversight of GE crops is not undermined and also avoids unnecessary interferences with the U.S. judicial review process.
Phone calls are still needed TODAY to support this amendment and critical organic program funding. Call your senators (find them here) with this message: Please fix the continuing resolution and support mandatory funding for the organic programs that were stranded in the Farm Bill extension. Explain to your senators why these programs matter to you (see list below). And tell them NOT to include the “biotech rider” language by supporting Senator Tester’s amendment (#74).
Organic Agriculture Research & Extension Initiative, National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, Organic Production & Market Data Initiatives, Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, Value-Added Producer Grant Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program, Outreach & Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers & Ranchers, Conservation Reserve – Transition Incentive Program
